@steve1
I've lived with my family just north of Lincoln for the past 32 years and have taught art in secondary schools since 1975.
It's no coincidence that I chose splitting wood and carving same for my first 1squared.org project as we have built a reconstruction of a 7th. Century house on our land.
It's no coincidence that I chose splitting wood and carving same for my first 1squared.org project as we have built a reconstruction of a 7th. Century house on our land.
How to make wooden ‘tent’ pegs
November 13th 2025
3
Knowing how to make wooden pegs gives you a practical solution to all sorts of garden - and general outdoor - problems: how to secure your tent or gazebo if you’ve lost a few of the metal pegs; how to stretch a line when you’re marking out a geometric shape for your lawn or flower bed; how to support the family’s new tennis net. Have a go: it’s very satisfying.
You will need:
1. Choosing the log
You should choose a straight grained hard wood, 25-30 cm in length & about 10cm in diameter, ideally ash or chestnut.
2. Preparation
Hold the log upright on your block. Mark the top surface, using a pencil and ruler, with three intersecting straight lines to create 6 equal wedge shapes.
3. Make the first split
Place the axe blade along one of the pencil lines. Now holding the blade securely against the log lift both together and tap firmly onto the block until the blade ‘bites’. Repeat the firm tapping until the blade splits the log cleanly in two.
4. Repeat the process
Now repeat, dividing each of those pieces into three using your pencil lines as guides. Hey presto, six equal pieces.
5. Sharpen
Use your axe blade to shave one end of each piece into a point.
6. Make the notch
Use the hacksaw, or the saw on your multitool, to create a notch on each peg, which will help to keep your guy rope or string secure.The notch should be flat along its top edge.
7. Hey Presto!
You will soon find that this process speeds up as you develop your confidence and skill to split the wood quickly - and as you find more reasons to make lots of pegs!
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